Goal Kick

One way to restart a game is through the goal kick. This is given to the defending team when a player from the attacking team was the last one to touch the ball before it went beyond the goal or end line. The ball is then given to the defending team to kick it to a teammate or directly towards the goal.

A goal kick is also awarded to the defending team if a goal is shot into the net from a free kick that is indirect.

The ball can be placed anywhere inside or on the lines of the goal area as long as it does not go beyond. Any player can do the goal kick but it’s usually the goalkeeper that does this task. He is not allowed to use his hands to pass the ball–he must kick it. Goal kicks are usually chipped, so the ball can reach the nearest teammate to the goal. Short passes to defenders nearby are also done.

Opponents are required to stay outside of the penalty area. If they enters the box before the ball is kicked. They will be given a warning or yellow card by the referee. In such case, the goal kick must be retaken. The player is also not allowed to touch the ball for a second time while inside the penalty area. The ball should be touched by another player first, before he can have the second touch on the ball.

A goal kick can be kicked directly to the goal and considered a score. If he passes directly to a teammate who is on an offside position, an offside call will not be called and the play can continue.

If, for some reason, the player assigned to do the goal kick shoots the ball into his own goal, this will not be counted as a score to the opposing team.

Paul Koroma

I learned all about life with a ball at my feet. Soccer allows me to push the limitation of creativity and express myself without saying a word. Soccer is my addiction. I train. I play, and I repeat every single day.